Mark Selby took the first big prize of the new snooker season as he edged out Ali Carter in the final of the Wuxi Classic in China.
World number three makes winning start to the new season
Mark Selby took the first big prize of the new snooker season as he edged out Ali Carter in the final of the Wuxi Classic in China.
Two-time Masters champion Selby has just one ranking event title to his name, and although Sunday's event does not carrying any ranking points, it still represents a solid start to his season.
The world No.3 from Leicester also pocketed a cheque for £20,000 after knocking in a break of exactly 100 to seal what was a high-quality final contest.
The Wuxi Classic is the start of a three-week stint of back-to-back events in the newly re-vamped snooker schedule, and Selby was delighted to get off to a flying start.
"Last season I got pipped at the end of a couple of tournaments so it's great to win a trophy so early this time," Selby told
World Snooker.
Confidence
"I know this isn't a ranking event but it was still a very strong line up so to win the title is a good achievement. It can only do good for my confidence and hopefully there will be more to come this season.
"If Ali and I play as well next week then we have a great chance to win the World Cup. It's strange to think that today I was willing him to miss balls and next week I'll be willing him to pot everything. He's a great player and we'll be a strong team."
The first session of the final finished 4-4, before Essex cueman Carter was forced to fight back from 8-5 down to 8-7 before Selby's century finally got him over the line.
"The first session was a bit scrappy and we both missed a few balls," he said. "Then I scored well in the evening session. I didn't really get a chance from 8-5 to 8-7 but I made a nice century to close it out."
Facing Carter in the final was a good sign for Selby as the two in-form players will now join forces to form England's team for next week's PTT-EGAT World Cup in Thailand.
The World Cup will be followed by the Australian Goldfields Open in an exciting new start for the top snooker stars.
Selby added: "It's a long time away from home but I felt this was a great event to play in and get some matches under my belt, and I've ended up winning it so I'm delighted."
